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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Sperm Penetration Tests

Sperm penetration tests check to see if sperm can move through cervical mucus or join with (fertilize) an egg. These tests may be done when you're having trouble getting pregnant (infertility).

There are different sperm penetration tests.

  • The sperm mucus penetration test checks if sperm can move through the cervical mucus. This test is not done very often because there are other fertility tests that give more information about the fertility problem.
  • The sperm penetration assay checks if sperm can join with an egg. (This is also called the hamster zona-free ovum test or hamster test.) Sperm are mixed with hamster eggs in a laboratory. The number of sperm that penetrate the egg is measured. This test is not done often. But it may be done at special fertility centers that do in vitro fertilization.

Results

Sperm mucus penetration test

This test uses donor sperm and your sperm. Both sperm samples are added to a sample of your partner's cervical mucus. Donor cervical mucus may also be used with your partner's cervical mucus.

There may be a problem with your sperm if:

  • The donor's sperm penetrate the mucus, but your sperm do not.
  • Your sperm do not penetrate your partner's or the donor's cervical mucus.

There may be a problem with your partner's cervical mucus if neither your nor the donor's sperm penetrate the mucus.

Normal

Sperm penetrate the cervical mucus and move through it easily.

Abnormal

Sperm can't penetrate the cervical mucus, or they clump together in the mucus. Clumping may mean that you or your partner has formed antibodies against the sperm. If the sperm antibodies are from your body, clumping may also be seen in your semen analysis.

Sperm penetration assay (SPA)

Results are based on the number of sperm that can penetrate an egg. This can vary from lab to lab. Talk with your doctor to find out if your results are normal.

Normal

Sperm penetrate the hamster egg.

Abnormal

Sperm can't penetrate the hamster egg.

Credits

Current as of: May 5, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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Results

Current as of: May 5, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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